Both have targeted next Wednesday's reserve game at Blackburn for their comebacks.

And with youngster Gregory Vignal making his return after a broken foot in tonight's reserve match with Leeds, Liverpool will soon find themselves close to full strength ahead of the title run-in.

Barmby (pictured) has missed virtually all the season following ankle surgery. He is desperate to regain fitness and form especially with the extra incentive of the World Cup this summer.

The midfielder was a key member of Sven Goran Eriksson's England set-up before injury struck. But with so many competitors challenging for a midfield spot he will face a fight to reestablish himself in the national team.

The priority however is getting fit for Liverpool, and like Barmby, Redknapp needs to quickly find his feet again. The skipper returns after a niggling thigh injury.

Assistant manager Phil Thompson said today: "Both these players will give us an extra dimension to our game and it's great to have the pair of them back.

"It was their first full day of training with the first team. They are hoping to be able to play their first match in a week or so."

For Vignal tonight's reserve match with Leeds ends four months of frustration.

Thompson added: "It's a big game for Gregory because he has been out for a while.

"He had been staking his claim and doing very well before he got injured and it's a shame it's taken so long for him to recover. He just needs games now."

The biggest attraction at Haig Avenue, Southport, this evening will be forward Milan Baros, who makes his first appearance for the Reds.

Thompson revealed: "Milan is desperate to play. He has already impressed us in training with his great movement and strength.

"He is a young striker who looks as though he has the nice habit of always being in the right place at the right time."

Gary McAllister will also figure in tonight's reserve match, which kicks off at 7pm.